Ferus Melek - Decadence
Review by Karl Magi
Overall Album Impressions
Ferus Melek’s “Decadence” is a mosaic of intricately woven sounds that come together to mingle uplift, pain, challenge and triumph into an intensely engaging whole. Ferus Melek has a knack for drawing images through sound and atmosphere, using melody to deepen the listening experience and filling me with a wide range of emotion as the tracks combine into a rich, layered work.
At the core of “Decadence” is Ferus Melek’s melodic writing. His melodies are beautifully conceived and full of expression, capturing mood and delivering it with fresh clarity. Each melody transmits a distinct state of being as it unfolds, drawing together into a complex, layered series of vignettes. I am drawn to the way each melody enhances the atmosphere of the individual tracks, carrying me along and fully engaging me in the listening experience.
“Decadence” also allows Ferus Melek to showcase his ability to interweave a wide range of synth tones and textures, choosing his instruments to emphasize the different states of mind and experiences conveyed by the music. The addition of guitar brings another layer of emotional power, punching home the messages within the various tracks. The music emphasizes the feelings embedded in each individual segment, resulting in a depth and breadth that I find deeply stimulating.
I also enjoy the way Ferus Melek creates music that evokes individualized feelings. He has his own interpretation of the album, yet leaves space for the listener to decide what the music means to them. This open-ended engagement results in music that feels deeply personal while still capturing something essential of Ferus Melek’s artistic personality.
My Favourite Tracks Analyzed
“The Switch” comes into being as sharp-edged, computerized notes cascade in a rapid rush. The tones slice and tremble as the gargantuan bass adds a rounded contrast and the lead synth bends with wild liveliness, glowing as the trembling notes churn together.
Jagged figures ripple and swelling sounds growl before the main melody arrives on soothing tones, majestic and full of potential, while a rebounding beat adds weight. The mixture of dreaming emotion and technological sharpness superbly sets the stage for the album.
The underlayer leaps with ferocious speed as the burning synth vaults upward to kick off “Birth Machine.” Blazing notes flare before a smoothly bending synth carries a calmer melody and rhythmic percussion launches again.
The main melody radiates adventurous strength as it unfolds, carried by a glinting synth and punching drums. As the percussion drops away, the melody cries out with loving unity and spills out thrilling feelings again. I enjoy the music’s hopeful, positive vibes as arpeggios spin with cosmic liveliness.
As the track evokes a successful voyage toward new horizons,it fills with joyful abandon. Thunderous underpinnings drive on while a victorious melodic line reaches for the sky with pure freedom. The undergirding pulse has an indomitable feeling, while the trumpeting notes fade to quiet.
“Devil Rides Again” commences with guitar-like notes climbing with nobility and dramatic dynamism, full of minor-key danger lurking in the distance. Chiming notes match the soaring tones that gleam before lissome arpeggios twirl through the music and the percussion hammers. The lead synth cries out with ferocious strength as the thundering low end presses forward.
A series of bursting chords moves with the flashing synth, leaping through a classically inspired run of arpeggiating tones full of excitement and action. Burnished notes sparkle like light glinting off metal, while reverent tones shimmer in the distance. Once again, the lead synth carries a melody that deeply affects me, mingling victory and yearning in equal measure.
Below, the beat subdivides as bell-like tones shine proudly and the main melody exudes melancholy, power and shadow. The slower pace ramps up the tension in a way I enjoy, feeling ancient and majestic, before rapid arpeggios dance into silence.
Flashing notes climb as the beat pulsates heavily to kick off “Self-Raised.” Blinding tones rise alongside a guitar rich with resonance, while the synth coruscates and the rhythm guides the motion forward.
The guitar carries a nostalgic melody that bears memory’s weight, while hovering notes shiver and soften, becoming peaceful and thoughtful. The lead synth erupts with a melody that spills luminosity, capturing me with its mingled joy and faint tinges of wistful reflection.
Gleaming chords vibrate rapidly, filling the music with refulgence. The guitar traces a minor-key melodic line, twisting past with a dreamy feeling, while full-sounding tones wrap around it with luscious strength.
Underneath everything, the underpinnings add shape and momentum as the guitar and synth trade contemplative melodic lines. At last, the main melody suffuses the music with encouraging feelings, singing the track gently to its end.
“Ghostship Love” begins with a twangy, guitar-like sound strumming along with a positive sensation. The main melody exudes affection with a hint of nostalgic memory, while the percussion thumps with a shaping influence. The background shines with jeweled light as the melody calls out with a feeling of timeless love and the beat drops for a moment before rapidly intertwining notes climb.
The interlocking notes are shiny and compelling as the underpinnings press forward, guiding the song. The drums thump unaccompanied while twirling notes cry out with passionate gentleness. I am galvanized by the melody, which touches my emotions deeply, while the undulating chords create a sharp counterpoint. The main melody leaps out again, coruscating and full of life, before the track comes to an end with a reverent chorus of light spilling out into the sonic field around it.
Quickly loping notes dance with a classical tinge to open “Genesaret.” As the underlying heartbeat flows along, intensely interlocking notes rise and fall in smooth progression. A synth wriggles through the music with flaring light while the low end continues to stride forward. Dreaming, hopeful feelings suffuse the track as undulating, twirling notes generate a sense of continual energy.
As the beat skips along with an easygoing sensation, it guides arpeggiating notes as they leap and sing. In the background, worshipful sounds shine, drawing me in with their encouraging presence. The track then moves into a darker segment, where disjointed sounds drift through open space with a slightly unsettled feeling. The drums continue to splash through the music while surging tones carry muscled weight and the bright main melody pours through.
Acceleration takes hold as the main melody rises again, full of anticipation. The bursting rhythm continues to guide the music while soaring notes flow out with a weightless feeling and the track closes.
Conclusion
“Decadence” is a nuanced, layered listening experience as it unfolds. Ferus Melek writes stunning melodies wrapped in rich sonic layering, intensifying their emotional impact. This is music that keeps me engaged and interested from beginning to end.
